5 Film Award hunts upcoming British Directors

Five of the biggest names in British cinema are donating their services and expertise to offer an upcoming talented director the opportunity to make their first professional short film with the new John Brabourne Big 5 Award.Created by the trade charity of the UK film and TV industry, the CTBF, a newly-established prestigious award named after one of Britain’s most prolific producers aims to help galvanise the next generation of filmmakers in the UK and provide a launch platform for future British talent.Valued at over £140K and offering invaluable experience, the prize includes over 100 minutes of 35mm film stock donated by Kodak, the hire of cameras and lighting by Arri Rental Group; studio space and audio post production by Pinewood Group as well as lab costs, digital print and visual post production from Technicolor. Kaos Films will offer a winning script from their highly regarded British Short Screenplay Competition. Kaos Films will work with the winning director to produce the film and subsequently manage it on the festival circuit around the world following a BAFTA screening. The award is supported by Working Title Films, who will help select the final script and assist in funding the production.The successful candidate will be presented with their award by Lord Attenborough at a high profile ceremony at St. James’ Palace in London on June 25th. The film will be completed in time for the BAFTA screening in Spring 2009, where the next year’s Big 5 Award will be announced.The John Brabourne Big 5 Award targets directors who are already experienced in directing commercials, promos, trailers, music or corporate videos but have yet to direct their first film. Applicants are required to submit show-reels and long form work by March 31st 2008, with the initial shortlist announced on April 15th. For the second stage of the competition, 4 directors will be asked to pitch a treatment on the winning script at the end of April. The winner will be announced on May 2nd 2008.The John Brabourne Big 5 Award is supported by Kodak, Arri Media, Pinewood Studios Group, Technicolor and Kaos Films. For further details and to access an application form for the John Brabourne Big 5 Awards, please visit www.ctbf.co.uk/johnbrabourneawards